Mission accomplished!
We have at last finalized the negotiations for the four intersectoral matters, i.e., salary, retirement, parental rights and regional disparities, which were still being discussed six months after the sectoral tentative agreement was concluded.
Given its pitiful state, we must rebuild the health network on a foundation of humane working conditions that guarantee a safe and healthy environment. It was with this objective in mind that last December we presented a sectoral tentative agreement to bring stability to the heart of the network: no more outrageous mobility and flexibility.
This culture change is necessary and it starts with applying our solutions. It’s been a long time since this harmful management has been eating away at our network, and thanks to this global tentative agreement and its leverage, we are on the right track. We have been the victims of bad political decisions for over twenty years, but little by little, the FIQ and FIQP, backed by all of their members, are winning the battle to improve working conditions. That is why it is essential that you have your say on this agreement in the referendum vote on August 4 and 5.
The pandemic has been a very unique period in our history, to say the very least: it will have marked us both personally and professionally. It was important that our agreement reflect that. And even though it’s not perfect, it lays solid groundwork to improve our working conditions, attract the next cohort, show recognition for our expertise as care providers, and show solidarity with Indigenous peoples and First Nations by promoting the practice in remote regions. It also significantly improves each healthcare professional’s remuneration.
The health network will need a period of convalescence to regain its strength. During the rebuilding, union representatives will be there to guide healthcare professionals in this new management philosophy that aims for greater stability, full work teams, a reasonable workload, and quality positions for everyone.
It will take patience and good care but together we can do it!
We encourage every one of you to participate in your local general assemblies to learn the details of the global agreement and to ask your questions. It is now up to healthcare professionals to decide what comes next, because you are the union!
Left to right: The FIQ Negotiation Committee is composed of Ridza Cléophat, Jean-Philippe Landry, Nagia Idel-Mehdaoui and Véronique Foisy. Isabelle Groulx, in the top right, was elected as respiratory therapist Vice-President on the FIQ’s Executive Committee on June 10, 2021.